Ask the Expert Archives - Bryan on Scouting

Latest Posts

[ October 21, 2021 ] An inside look at the November 2021 issue of Scout Life magazine App Feed
[ October 20, 2021 ] Scout Ranger program might be the National Park Service’s best-kept secret App Feed - Cub Scouts
[ October 19, 2021 ] He and his uncle were featured in Scouts in Action … 51 years apart! App Feed - Scouts BSA
[ October 18, 2021 ] In an Eagle project, sometimes ‘I don’t know’ can be the bravest thing to say App Feed - Eagle Scouts
[ October 17, 2021 ] From the Scouting magazine archives: Plan now for a great crossover ceremony App Feed - For Leaders

Ask the Expert: Can you earn the 50-Miler Award on horseback?

July 14, 2020 5

What does the horseshoe mean on this award?

Can a den chief work with a Cub Scout den of the opposite gender?

December 30, 2019 13

Can a Scouts BSA boy be a den chief for a girl Cub Scout den? Can a Scouts BSA girl be a den chief for a boy Cub Scout den? We asked the expert.

What’s the intent behind advancement requirements?

July 23, 2019 29

What’s the point behind this First Class navigation requirement?

Who can wear the Journey to Excellence patch on their uniform?

June 19, 2019 34

In some units, confusion persists about who wears the JTE patch when a unit gets recognized. Let’s ask the expert for some clarification.

Does helping fellow Scouts count for service requirements?

May 30, 2019 18

When Scouts help each other out, the question sometimes comes up: Can helping another Scouting unit count for service hours for advancement?

Is your district on this fascinating list of the BSA’s most popular district names?

May 8, 2019 31

A look at the nationwide list of BSA districts reveals a fascinating find: a number of districts share their names with districts in other councils.

What do you do if a leader is too quick to sign off requirements?

March 5, 2019 36

Scoutmaster John sees three Tenderfoot Scouts get a quick sign-off on a requirement from an assistant Scoutmaster without fulfilling the requirement. What should he do?

Can unit committee meetings be ‘closed’ from parents attending?

February 5, 2019 29

Two parents heard they cannot attend a troop committee meeting because the meeting is “closed.” Is this allowed?

Can packs, troops or crews participate in political rallies?

October 23, 2018 100

The BSA might be the most patriotic organization in the U.S. But we don’t endorse any party. Here’s the policy on participation in political rallies.

Do you need to match your uniform to specific meetings?

October 16, 2018 54

You’re a leader in two different programs. What do you wear?